Liz Barclay, the UK’s Small Business Commissioner, has been appointed as the new patron of the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank (JCYEB).

Liz will have the near impossible task of following in the footsteps of Tony Robinson OBE, who is to stand down after 10 years.

The patron's role is to help the JCYEB and Hull City Council to support innovative young people in Hull and promote enterprise skills.

The JCYEB management committee and the council are delighted that Liz has agreed to become the second person in the Patron’s role.

Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said: “The council is delighted that such a high-profile national figure as Liz has taken up the position of patron of the JCYEB in Hull.

“Tony has been a great champion of our work in Hull in supporting enterprising young people and I thank him for his service.

“The council is looking forward to working with Liz and our partners at the Youth Enterprise Bank”.

Liz acknowledged she has big shoes to fill. She said: “Sometimes, opportunities come along that simply leave you breathless.

“Being asked to step into the shoes of Tony Robinson as patron of John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank is one of those.

“Tony has been battling for micro businesses for many decades and his passion for the success of young entrepreneurs is legendary. He will be a hard act to follow, but I will be delighted to try.

“The work of Hull City Council with micro businesses and young entrepreneurs is a template for the rest of the UK. I will do all I can to support both.” 

Tony added: “It has been a great privilege to have served as patron and work with Hull City Council in supporting micro businesses and young people, in particular meeting the enterprising young people during Global Entrepreneurship Week and meeting those on the Making Changes for Careers Programme at their Open Day events.

“Collaboration is essential to small and micro business sustainability. A supportive community of independent business owners with their customers, suppliers, families and friends ensures that changing needs, trends and economic conditions are met, all of which the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Banks does.

“I am extremely pleased that Liz has agreed to take over as patron. She has a great reputation in supporting small businesses even before taking up the role of Small Business Commissioner and I welcome her to my 'home city’ of Hull."